Apples

Apple orchard is now closed for the season. See you in August 2021!

2020 Apple-Picking Hours & Varieties

Apple Orchard Hours

End of August through October
Saturday & Sunday 9am-6pm, while supply lasts
No reservations needed.

The apple orchard is located on our Oswego farm. Before heading to the orchard for U-pick apples, ALL guests must first purchase a bag at the Apple Barn. Last entry to the orchard will be 30 minutes prior to closing time to allow enough time for picking.

Masks must be worn (covering mouth AND nose). Please read our Safety Plan for more details.

Prices (Age 5 through adult)

$7.00/person for ¼ peck bag (about 3 lbs)
No longer available for 2020 season – $14.00/person for ½ peck bag (about 5–6 lbs)
No longer available for 2020 season – $28.00/person for 1 peck bag (about 10–12 lbs)

Tax is added on at time of purchase.

*Children 4 and under may enter for free but do not get a bag.

**Keller’s Farmstand reserves the right to close the orchard when needed to control the amount of people in the orchard and/or if apple supply is low. We may close orchard if there is inclement weather and reopen when weather conditions are safe for visitors.

Apple-Picking Tips

• Pick only from rows marked at the end as ready for picking.
• Look for apples that are more red or yellow in color and less green.
• When selecting an apple, hold it gently, roll upwards and twist off at the stem.
• Choose carefully! You must purchase what you pick.
• Please pick only what will fit in the bag. Overstuffed bags will be charged extra.
• Refrigerate apples after picking and be sure to wash them at home before eating.

Prepicked apples, when available, can be purchased at Oswego Farmstand and Naperville Farmstand. Call ahead for variety availability before heading over.

Additional Guidelines & Recommendations

• Pets and smoking are prohibited in the orchard. You are welcome to smoke in your car.
• Backpacks, large purses or bags, ladders and apple-picking poles are not allowed in the orchard.
• It’s best to wear closed-toe shoes rather than flip-flops or sandals when picking (fallen apples often attract bees). The orchard has grown, so we suggest good walking shoes.
• Watch your step! The ground in the apple orchard can be uneven.
• We are not responsible for lost bags.

CURRENTLY PICKING:

None

COMING SOON:
None

FINISHED FOR THE SEASON:

Evercrisp
Rome Beauty
Golden Delicious
Red Delicious
Empire
Jonastar
Idared
Late Fuji
McIntosh
Golden Supreme
Early Fuji
Cortland
Honeycrisp
Crispin (Mutsu)
Jonathan
Autumn Crisp
Gala
Ginger Gold
Zestar

Approximate Ripening Dates

Late August/Early September: Ginger Gold, Zestar
Mid September: Gala, Honeycrisp, McIntosh, Jonathan, Cortland, Early Fuji, Autumn Crisp, Golden Supreme
Late September: Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Empire, Jonastar
Early October: Mutsu (Crispin), Idared, Late Fuji, Rome Beauty
Mid October: Evercrisp

OUR APPLE VARIETIES

The Joy of Autumn Apples

Summer starts to wind down, making way for fall. The trees prepare for their months-long concert of color. As the season deepens, the air starts to fill with the crisp autumn chill.

And at Keller’s Farmstand, our apple orchard bursts with fresh, crisp, vibrant fruit ripe for the picking. It’s a wonderful time for family and friends.

Apple Orchard Care

We have been growing apples in the region for more than a century. In 2004, we started our apple orchard in Oswego. Today, the orchard still requires constant care and attention to ensure the best apple-picking in late summer and fall.

We begin pruning in February and continue for five to six weeks. Doing this each year supports apple growth by contributing to healthier trees.

Along the way, we have also planted new varieties, which has tripled the size of our apple orchard.  Because we’ve grown so many, and not all varieties ripen at the same time, we have apples ready all season long.

All fresh apples are inspected for quality and chosen by hand when they are at their peak ripeness. You can purchase our pre-picked apples at any of our farmstands (see above for locations).

You can visit our Oswego apple orchard for daily U-pick apples during the season as well. Have a blast with family and friends as you stroll down our orchard’s lush, leafy lanes with a Keller’s bag for filling.

Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep current with our apple varieties ready for picking.

For more apple variety information, visit OrangePippin.com.

Additionally, get our special apple recipes on Pinterest too. Here’s one you can enjoy right now:

Grandma Keller’s Apple Kuchen

Topping
1/2 cup each sugar and packed brown sugar
3 tablespoons each flour and softened butter or margarine
1 teaspoon cinnamon

1. Preheat oven to 375°. Cream sugar, shortening and egg until fluffy. Stir in milk.
2. Sift flour, baking powder and salt. Beat into creamed mixture. Spread dough in greased 9” square pan.
3. Top with rows of apple slices, overlapping slightly.
4. Combine topping ingredients with fingers or wire pastry blender until crumbly. Sprinkle crumbs over apples. Bake for 35 minutes or until golden brown.